'Constant swaying': New details emerge in DUI arrest of top Mike Johnson aide
House Speaker Mike Johnsonâ??s chief of staff was â??unsteadyâ? when walking, slurring his words and could not complete a field sobriety test after twice striking a Chevrolet SUV with his Tesla sedan, according to an arrest affidavit that shed new light on the Republicanâ??s boozy episode.The crash â?? which...
House Speaker Mike Johnson’s chief of staff was “unsteady” when walking, slurring his words and could not complete a field sobriety test after twice striking a Chevrolet SUV with his Tesla sedan, according to an arrest affidavit that shed new light on the Republican’s boozy episode.
The crash – which unfolded about an hour following President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress last week – resulted in Hayden Haynes’ arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence.
The responding officer said that Haynes “needed assistance putting his glasses in his pocket,” had to conclude the field sobriety test because Haynes could not stop his “constant swaying left to right” and dropped a full cup containing his urine sample into the toilet. When he was given a second cup, Haynes “could no longer urinate,” the report, obtained by Politico, said.
It also added that Haynes “was slurring his words when voice activating his vehicle to open the glove compartment,” smelled strongly of alcohol and admitted to consuming four drinks over four hours.
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Capitol Police had been contacted by the unidentified SUV owner whose vehicle Haynes allegedly struck “by communications,” according to the documents, which Politico reported suggests could make it a police vehicle.
The affidavit dropped as part of the charging documents filed in D.C. Superior Court on Monday, Politico noted.
Johnson’s office meanwhile reiterated the speaker’s support for his top aide.
"The Speaker has known and worked closely with Hayden for nearly a decade and trusted him to serve as his Chief of Staff for his entire tenure in Congress,” the spokesperson said. “Because of this and Hayden’s esteemed reputation among Members and staff alike, the Speaker has full faith and confidence in Hayden’s ability to lead the Speaker’s office.”
The arrest prompted Rep. Jaime Raskin (D-MD) to quip at a Friday rally: "They're not that into DEI. But they love DUI. We gotta stop those DUI hires on Capitol Hill.”